Info A Rare Peek Behind The Facade of Copenhagen's Colourful Nyhavn!
Thursday, January 24, 2019
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No trip to the Danish capital would be complete without visiting Nyhavn, a 17th century waterfront, canal and entertainment district lined with brightly coloured townhouses, bars, restaurants and historical ships. But have you ever wondered what lies behind the colourful facade? Photographer Céline Hallas, husband Daniel, children Samuel (15) and Sienna (11) and their "very beloved dog" Yoda reside in an apartment with side views onto the canal. I caught up with Céline to find out more about what it's like to live in the famous district, her love of colour, collecting art and secret Copenhagen tips!
I really don't know how it happened. We had sold our old home without finding a new place to live and actually had to move in with my parents. We were looking in a totally different part of Copenhagen, but while we were sitting there in my parents' basement, constantly looking at what was for sale, this apartment in Nyhavn kept haunting my dreams with it's beautiful details and colourful courtyard. We fell in love with the apartment, not the area. We really didn't know the area and the fact we now never want to live anywhere else is pure luck!
What do you love most about living in Nyhavn?
I love being surrounded by culture and history and even though it becomes part of everyday life, I always feel so blessed when I return home each day and see the colourful houses - this is home! To live by the water feels like an amazing gift. Sometimes when I open the windows in the early morning and smell the sea, I have to pinch myself to believe I'm not dreaming.
Sure there are! Tourists LOL! I sometimes feel they forget that this is our home with all that comes with it and not just a place where they can ensure the perfect picture to document their trip to Denmark!
I have always been obsessed with colours and colour combinations and it has always been my strength. So for me, it's more instinctive then sitting down and deciding on a colour. I find inspiration all over the place. I primarily use Farrow & Ball, the colours are all so beautiful.
Do you have any tips for anyone looking to use more colour?
Don't be scared, what's the worst thing that can happen? Maybe you'll have to re-paint it to get it right - it's so worth it. Life is so much more fun when you fill it with colour.
You have some wonderful pieces of furniture in your home, what are you drawn to?
I'm not into one style, I'm into great design and quality. I am drawn to pieces with colours, but I'm very selective about colours, it has to be just right, I'm very colour sensitive. If something has a 'wrong' tone it makes me depressed, I wish I was kidding but it affects me a lot.
We primarily buy at auctions - Lauritz and Bruun Rasmussen. But we also find a lot at dba (a Danish online second hand shop).
I think I have three! Our green couch from VITRA - beautiful to look at and even better to relax in. Our dressing table - it's hard to find a piece of furniture that brings so much joy. And our amazing post modernist floor lamp called Callimaco from Artemide, it just make me so happy to look at!
I love all your art, have you been collecting for a long time?
Art has always been an important part of my life and I have had some of the pieces wfor years - such as the Wiinblad and Richard Mortensen. Over the last few years, my husband as really started to enjoy art in a new way and we both really love filling our home with it.
Who are your favourite artists?
Wiinblad will always have a special place in my heart! But within the more contemporary art scene, I love Eske Kath, his work is loud, poetic and colourful- and I must say, that talks to my heart! I also like Farshad Farzankia and Evren Tekinoktay.
Do you have any secret Copenhagen tips?
I don't know if I have any - but if you are into art, I would recommend swinging by Bruun Rasmussen when you are visiting Nyhavn. It might be an auction house, but it feels like an ever-changing art
gallery.
How fun to take a peek behind Nyhavn's facade. I often look up at the open windows and wonder what lies beyond!
Thank you so much for inviting us into your home Céline!
You can see more pictures of her home and insights into family life in the district of Nyhavn here.
I particularly loved the gallery walls - it's especially refreshing to see a children's bedroom with more mature artwork, which could help them to appreciate the beauty of art in a different way. What do you think?
Another thing that's really interesting about the Danes is that they are massively forward thinking and as a result, big trend setters. If you like to keep your home bang up to date, it's worth taking note of the colour schemes, materials, patterns etc in this home - they'll almost certainly be a hot trend next year!
For more 'great Dane' inspiration I'm loving a Danish home that's sunny on the inside, the fabulous Danish home of an interior designer and a warm and inviting Danish home.
I do love the relaxed Danish style, how about you?!
Hav en god dag! See you Friday!
Niki
All photography by Céline Hallas, shared with kind permission.